Lithuanian Cuirass?

[Zbyszko]

Hello. I'm new to this forum and came here to ask about something I've been trying to read up on lately. I've been reading about the medieval history of East-Central Europe (Poland, Bohemia, Lithuania, Ruthenia area). I came across a few illustrations of Lithuanian armor that appears to be pretty unique that I've been trying to find out more on. To me, all appear to be portraying the same kind of cuirass, but I could be wrong. Unfortunately, some of the images are illustrations made centuries after the relevant period, but some are from the period. So I would like to ask if anyone here knows anything about this. Thank you.


(Duke Sigismund Korybut and entourage in the Hussite Wars 1430s, 1443 illustration)


(Grand Duke Algirdas of Lithuania 1370s, 1578 illustration)


(Lithuanians Warriors, mostly the one furthest to the left, Battle of Grunwald 1410, modern illustration) - I did have the text in the image translated into English, but it didn't help much

[Sean M]

An old thread with some 15th-century armour which seems to be built of vertical slats strapped or riveted together like a tatehagi okegawa dō from Japan or the S-13 breastplate in Schloss Churburg http://forums.armourarchive.org/phpBB2/ ... &p=2744361

[Zbyszko]

Very interesting, thank you! I notice many of the images of similar armor in that thread appear to be German. It would make sense for Lithuanians to be familiar with German armor styles since they had been at war with the Teutonic Order on and off for hundreds of years prior to the early 15th century, the time period where most of my pictures come from. It's a shame unusual armor such as this isn't more well known.

[Sean M]

Very interesting, thank you! I notice many of the images of similar armor in that thread appear to be German. It would make sense for Lithuanians to be familiar with German armor styles since they had been at war with the Teutonic Order on and off for hundreds of years prior to the early 15th century, the time period where most of my pictures come from. It's a shame unusual armor such as this isn't more well known.

The availability of digital images over the past 10 or 15 years has really revolutionized the study of medieval armour. It means that there are hundreds of niches for research where you just have to sit down, gather images, and organize them. That is not easy, but its much more accessible than getting permission to handle medieval armour in one of the big collections.

Before, you might have two paintings or sculptures of something, but no way to find more and put them all side by side.

[Zbyszko]

Oh yes, I know. I'm a Civil War reenactor/Living Historian and we also use period photos and written accounts to get a better idea of how the soldiers lived and how they would've appeared to help with our impressions. Of course, visiting museums to view and examine the real deal if you have the chance really helps as well. But I suppose it's probably easier to view Civil War uniforms and equipment than Medieval armor, especially in the United States.

I do have a strong interest in Medieval history as well. If I had a lot more time, money, and athletic ability, I would probably take up Buhurt.